Weeding Out Bitterness

Recently while weeding flower beds at my parent’s home, I was tugging at some stubborn roots. The weeds had grown tall and strong. I put my hand around the base of the stems, planted my feet firmly and gave a yank. Finally, the roots gave way and I had to steady myself lest I fall backward! As my gaze fell back on the soil, I saw a beautiful plant that had been hidden under the weeds. It wasn’t even visible before. It almost seemed to stretch out in its now roomy quarters, with the weed removed. We would’ve never known that plant was there if we hadn’t removed the weeds!

Roots…removal…hmmm, a passage of Scripture came to my mind at that moment!

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the gace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

The picture of the weeds and the stubborn roots before me is exactly what bitterness will do in my life. It anchors itself down deep. It destroys. It blocks out the beauty of walking uder the control of the Spirit of God. It keeps relationships from being loving and grace-filled.

First I must search diligently. Then at first sight of that weed of bitterness, I must snatch it up – not from the top where it will break off and continue to grow, but at the root – where it started. I must go to its source and rip it from my heart. Confession will do that. I must admit it’s there and call it what it is. That means no finger pointing or blaming, but admision of my own sin.

The next part is the flinging out of that weed to the trash pile. That happens when I let go of the issue that caused the bitterness.

Just. Let. It. Go.

After my weeding job was done, I washed my hands throughly, ridding myself of the mess it caused. Looking back on the freshly manicured garden, I could smile at the sight of the growth that was showing itself proudly. So, too, the place where my bitterness was is a clean, fresh spot in my life now.

Do you have a bitternessthat is growing and defiling you? Ask the Lord to forgive you, and then look for the new growth that will appear in its place!